Patent GB-486481-A (GB)
Title: An improved process and apparatus for the continuous fermentation of solutions for the obtention of fermentation products or propagating micro-organisms
IPC: C12M1/08
Filed: 1937-05-04
Abstract: <PICT:0486481/III/1> In fermentations and propagation processes as for the production of glycerine and the corresponding organism, the process is carried out in a continuous process so that the fermenting liquid is caused to ascend and descend with mechanical or other means keeping the micro-organisms in suspension, and on the last part of the path the suspension means are not employed, the micro-organisms thus separating out, if desired with the aid of settling agents such as bases or phosphates, and with part of the spent liquid being conveyed to and reintroduced at the beginning. The remaining spent liquid is removed and any micro-organisms therein may be separated out as by centrifuging.  Liquid may be removed at various points in the circuit and reintroduced at an earlier point.  Fresh micro-organisms may be introduced at any point of the circuit. Liquid to be fermented is introduced at 1 and passes through the apparatus, being forced upwards in the ascension chambers A, C, and E by aerating devices 2, 3, and 4. In the final ascension chamber G which is not fitted with an aerating device, the micro-organism settles and together with part of the liquid is returned to the beginning of the circuit via conduit 5.  At the same time through openings 6 and 7 liquid may join or be taken from the reverse stream flowing in 5.  The speed of travel of liquid in any of the chambers may be varied by making the openings 8, 9, and 10 adjustable. Specification 448,689, [Group VI], is referred to.ALSO:<PICT:0486481/IV/1> In fermentations and propagation processes as for the production of lactic acid, acetic acid, and other products and the corresponding organisms, the process is carried out in a continuous process so that the fermenting liquid is caused to ascend and descend with mechanical or other means keeping the micro-organisms in suspension, and on the last part of the path the suspension means are not employed, the micro - organisms thus separating out, if desired with the aid of settling agents such as bases or phosphates, and with part of the spent liquid are conveyed and reintroduced at the beginning.  The remaining spent liquid is removed and any micro-organisms therein may be separated out as by centrifuging.  Liquid may be removed at various points in the circuit and reintroduced at an earlier point.  Fresh micro-organisms may be introduced at any point of the circuit. Liquid to be fermented is introduced at 1 and passes through the apparatus, being forced upwards in the ascension chambers A, C and E by aerating devices 2, 3 and 4.  In the final ascension chamber G which is not fitted with an aerating device, the micro-organism settles and together with part of the liquid is returned to the beginning of the circuit via conduit 5. At the same time through openings 6 and 7 liquid may join or be taken from the reverse stream flowing in 5.  The speed of travel of liquid in any of the chambers may be varied by making the openings 8, 9 and 10 adjustable.  Specification 448,689, [Group VI], is referred to.